Remote Tomography Using Plasma Filament Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tomography of remote or hard-to-reach regions is a time-consuming and expensive process, with aerial methods being costly and inefficient, especially when multiple projects are required over an extended period.
Innovation Solution
A remote tomography system utilizing stationary, monostatic plasma planes to reflect electromagnetic radiation towards a target region, allowing for ground or sea-based imaging without the need for aircraft, using a filament system to generate plasma planes that reflect EMR for surface penetration and data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If aerial tomography is used to image remote regions, then the target region can be accessed and imaged, but the cost and time consumption become prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces plasma planes as an intermediary medium to enable EMR reflection between the ground-based system and the target region. The plasma planes act as a reflective intermediary that allows the imaging system to function remotely without requiring physical proximity or aerial access, thereby eliminating time-consuming aircraft operations while maintaining imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical aerial transport system (aircraft flying to and from the target region) with a stationary ground-based system using plasma-mediated EMR reflection. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical movement and aerial operations, dramatically reducing time consumption while preserving the ability to image remote regions
2Measurement precision
If aerial tomography is used to image remote regions, then the target region can be accessed and imaged, but the operational cost becomes prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma planes serve as a cost-effective intermediary that enables remote imaging without expensive aerial operations. By using plasma-mediated EMR reflection from a ground-based platform, the system eliminates the need for costly aircraft deployment while maintaining imaging functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive aerial mechanical systems with a stationary ground-based plasma system. This substitution eliminates fuel costs, aircraft maintenance, and operational expenses associated with aerial tomography, significantly reducing operational costs while preserving imaging capability
3Productivity
If numerous tomography projects are scheduled over extended periods, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but scheduling difficulties arise due to resource constraints
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing aerial systems with a stationary ground-based plasma system, the invention eliminates scheduling constraints related to aircraft availability, weather-dependent flight operations, and logistical coordination. This enables continuous operation and significantly improves scheduling flexibility for multiple projects
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary plasma-based system provides universal imaging capability that can be deployed for multiple different projects and target regions without requiring specialized aerial equipment for each mission. This multi-functionality allows the same system to handle diverse tomography projects, improving throughput and scheduling ease
4Adaptability or versatility
If aircraft are used for tomography, then remote regions can be accessed, but the system requires complex motion and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma planes act as a flexible intermediary that can be generated at different locations and orientations from a stationary platform. This allows the system to access various remote regions without requiring complex aircraft motion and positioning systems, simplifying the overall system while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the imaging system (aircraft) to reach different target regions, the invention inverts the approach by using a stationary system that directs plasma planes and EMR to different locations. This inversion eliminates the need for complex motion systems while preserving access capability to multiple regions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible, efficient imaging of remote regions from a single platform, capable of detecting subsurface features and obstacles without requiring apparatus motion, allowing for wider area coverage and reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
A remote tomography system utilizes stationary, monostatic plasma planes to reflect electromagnetic radiation towards a target region
Implementation Method 2
A filament system generates at least one plurality of plasma filaments
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a remote tomography system. A filament system generates at least one plurality of plasma filaments. An electromagnetic radiation (EMR) system directs EMR towards the at least one plurality of plasma filaments such that the EMR reflects off of the at least one plurality of plasma filaments towards at least one target region. The EMR system is configured to receive EMR reflected from the at least one plurality of plasma filaments such that EMR reflecting from the at least one target region can be directed towards the EMR system.